Southside Hopkins, Hopkins Belize, Hopkins, Belize | (937) 315-4602
Lovely, swimmable beach with kayaks and paddleboards
Quiet location outside of Hopkins -- a 15-minute walk from town
Alfresco restaurant and bar serving traditional Belizean fare
Beach-cabin rooms feature sea-view verandas
Some units have mini-fridges and kitchenettes
A large, off-street lot with free parking
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Lack of amenities like air-conditioning and in-room Wi-Fi
Some rooms and common areas looking a bit worn
Few services or attractions within walking distance
Near the southern end of Hopkins Village, Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea offers no-frills, beachfront bungalows that range from charming to slightly worn. A tiny, unnamed restaurant and bar plus beautiful, open-air yoga studio provide guests with a bit of social and activity space. However, it's the property's location right on the beach -- and relatively reasonable rates -- that draws nearly everyone here. Most of the 11 rooms feel like cabins, and lack air-conditioning or Wi-Fi for the most part. Still, they do have verandas and patios with sea views or partial sea views, and the humble digs suit most guests seeking a laid-back bohemian beach getaway.. The similarly priced, two-and-a-half-pearl Coconut Row Guest House is more centrally located with a nicer beach, though it lacks a restaurant.
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Scene
Beachfront inn that's a stripped-down escape for budget-minded travelers
The inn features a collection of free-standing beach bungalows that, from the beach, give the appearance of a tiny village. The louvered windows, weathered wood exteriors, and tropical-inspired color scheme feel picture-perfect for this hotel's Caribbean setting. Overall, the property has a shabby bohemian charm that draws plenty of people year after year. However, some areas feel a bit too rough around the edges, with worn furniture in the hotel's few common areas and some rooms that could use a bit of TLC. Since most rooms offer just one bed -- and the property lacks any child-friendly amenities (except for the beach) -- guests are typically adult couples seeking a reasonably priced beachfront vacation.
Location
On a quiet, dead-end road, a 15-minute walk from “downtown” Hopkins
There is little within a short walk of Jungle Jeanie’s -- though that's part of its appeal for many travelers. Most of what's on offer in the immediate area are other hotels. The traditional Belizean restaurants, shops, and markets of Hopkins are 15 minutes away on foot. Additional dining and shopping options are available 35 minutes away by car, in Dangriga. Guests seeking a change of scenery from the beach can reach Mayflower Bocawina National Park via a 30-minute drive inland. There, an outdoor adventure center leads kayaking and hiking tours through the park’s pristine rainforest preserve.
Belize City’s Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) is three hours away and offers the most international flight options. Alternatively, Dangriga is just 35 minutes away but offers far fewer flights. Taxis are ubiquitous and convenient to/from the airport, however, with no set fares, they can be expensive.
Rooms
Stripped-down rooms offer water-view porches, but not much else
Each of the 11 rooms is uniquely designed with a funky, beach-inspired theme that looks appropriate for the hotel's sandy setting. Exposed mahogany walls and simple, local artwork complement wicker and rattan furniture pieces. The result is a woodsy, cabin-like feel that’s homey, if a little barebones. There's a bit of wear and tear on things, and some rooms feel a little less fresh than others, with details like outdated bedding or scuffed floors.
Rooms all feature unique layouts and features. The entry-level Hawksbill House and Turtle Cabanas are small, economy rooms with ceiling fans, private showers with hot water, and partial sea views. They’re clean and functional, with just enough room for two adults. Gumbo Limbo and Palmetto Cabanas provide additional floor space -- with more square footage than a typical chain hotel room -- and private sea-view verandas. These rooms also include mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Sea Chalet and Beach House rooms offer similar floor space and amenities to the cabanas, plus a beachfront location steps from the Caribbean Sea. Unfortunately, as a distinctly “unplugged” property, there are no televisions, air-conditioning (except in the Jungle Loft), or Wi-Fi in any rooms.
Bathrooms in every room are small, functional, and equally pared down. Appointments consist of budget walk-in shower stalls, pedestal sinks, and minimal counter space.
Features
A clean beach, plus a secluded, open-air yoga studio
As a tiny inn, Jungle Jeanie’s provides few common amenities, however, the wide clean beach is its most notable. Basic, plastic lounge chairs and hammocks dot the sand, providing just enough seating given the hotel’s capacity. While there is a notable lack of umbrellas or palapas, the surrounding natural landscape provides adequate opportunity for shade. Paddleboards and sea kayaks are available for guest use, though fees may be charged.
Two minutes from the beach, a large, stand-alone building serves as a dedicated yoga space. It's decked in beautiful, local hardwood flooring and natural wood furniture under a large thatched roof. Hotel staff offers guided yoga sessions and classes on an almost daily basis.
The unnamed restaurant is situated in a mixed space adjacent to the lobby where guests can opt to dine indoors or alfresco on the outdoor patio. Like the rest of the property, the rustic decor includes dark wood, bamboo, and local trinkets and artwork. Breakfast and lunch are served daily -- both with a mix of Western and local fare. Dinner is available by request and features primarily Belizean and Garifuna dishes such as stew chicken, curried seafood, and grilled shrimp. The integrated bar also offers a full liquor menu of cocktails, beer, and wine.
A large dirt lot provides ample, free self-parking. Wi-Fi is free, though unreliable and only available in the lobby/restaurant building.
